» workplace injury

The dangers of working light duty (Part 2)

March 4th, 2011
Posted By
Andrew J. Thompson
A railroad may offer a worker light duty as soon as an injury occurs at work. By keeping the employee on the payroll, the railroad avoids the need to report a lost time incident to the Federal Railroad Administration. This practice can be very danger… Read More
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Categories: Rail Law Blog
Tags: Federal Employers' Liability Act, Federal Railroad Administration, FELA, FRA, Light duty, railroad, workplace injury

The dangers of working light duty (Part 1)

March 3rd, 2011
Posted By
Andrew J. Thompson
Many railroads offer injured employees light duty assignments so they can work prior to being released by the doctor to return to their regular duties. In some cases, the light duty assignment involves nothing other than reporting to work and sitting… Read More
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Categories: Rail Law Blog
Tags: Federal Employers' Liability Act, FELA, Light duty, negligence, workplace injury

Time limit under the FELA

February 28th, 2011
Posted By
Andrew J. Thompson
Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (“FELA”), no action may be brought against the railroad unless it is commenced within three years of the date of the accident. This means that an employee, or his dependents if the employee loses his l… Read More
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Categories: Rail Law Blog
Tags: claim department, Federal Employers' Liability Act, FELA, railroad, statute of limitation, workplace injury

The importance of worker solidarity

February 22nd, 2011
Posted By
Andrew J. Thompson
“An injury to one is the concern of all.” – slogan of The Knights of Labor, circa 1880?s This slogan is perhaps of greater importance in the railroad industry than most other industries in America. Railroad workers are not covered by workers’… Read More
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Categories: Rail Law Blog
Tags: Federal Employers' Liability Act, FELA, FRSA, railroad intimidation, solidarity, union, workplace injury

Filling out the railroad incident report

February 21st, 2011
Posted By
Andrew J. Thompson
As soon as possible after suffering an injury at work, a railroad employee should fill out an accident report. Most railroads have formal rules requiring that the accident report be filled out promptly after any injury. Failure to complete the report… Read More
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Categories: Rail Law Blog
Tags: Federal Employers' Liability Act, FELA, incident report, workplace injury

Always report your injuries at work

February 8th, 2011
Posted By
Andrew J. Thompson
The first item on our checklist of what to do when you are hurt at work is to report the injury. Immediately tell co-workers on your crew that you were injured, and point out to them conditions in the workplace that contributed to the accident. Your… Read More
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Categories: Rail Law Blog
Tags: Federal Employers' Liability Act, FELA, injury report, workplace injury

Workplace Injury Checklist

February 8th, 2011
Posted By
Andrew J. Thompson
Every railroad employee should know the proper steps to take when suffering an injury at work. Below is a checklist of some of the basic things to remember. I will discuss each point in more detail in later posts. If you suffer an injury at work, or… Read More
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Categories: Rail Law Blog
Tags: Federal Employers' Liability Act, FELA, railroad, workplace injury